A vehicle caught on fire after crashing near a gas pump in north Laredo Thursday morning, Aug. 16, according to the fire department.

Media: Cesar Martinez

A car burst into flames Thursday when it crashed next to a Valero gas pump in central Laredo.

As the vehicle became engulfed in flames, the driver refused to exit the vehicle, a video of the crash indicates. When authorities arrived at the gas station, he then jumped out of the vehicle and fled the scene.

The crash occurred at about 5:30 a.m. at the Valero gas station at 4801 San Bernardo Ave.

When Laredo police arrived at the scene, they encountered a Dodge Avenger engulfed in flames. Laredo Fire Department crews extinguished the fire while officers detained the driver, who tried running when first responders showed up, police said.

An investigation revealed the car was traveling north on San Bernardo when the driver somehow failed to control speed and drove into the Valero. Police said the undercarriage struck a cement structure, causing the vehicle to catch fire. Store employees activated the emergency gas shut off for the pump, the Fire Department said.

A car went up in flames after crashing near a gas pump in north Laredo Thursday morning, officials said.

A car went up in flames after crashing near a gas pump in north Laredo Thursday morning, officials said.

Photo: Cesar Martinez/Laredo Morning Times

Photo: Cesar Martinez/Laredo Morning Times

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A car went up in flames after crashing near a gas pump in north Laredo Thursday morning, officials said.

A car went up in flames after crashing near a gas pump in north Laredo Thursday morning, officials said.